Often in the outdoor community the question is asked "What should you take with you when camping?" and even in my friend or family circle when I explain my camping set-up, I often get some weird responses, so I though I would put it down here so I can explain the breakdown of my gear and explain my process. This is the gear I use the most and I typically will use this set up for all 4 seasons.
While I am not an ultra-lite enthusiast, I try to keep the weight down while maximising utility. And keep in mind this set up will not be good for everyone this is what works best for me. I also like working on a budget so all of the items listed are your general bulk-store variety. I never found a good enough difference between a $100 item and a $30 item, if they function near identically. If the difference is vast, I usually can bridge the gap enough with some creative alternative solutions.
I carry a basic 50L backpack, this model comes with a rain cover in the bottom pouch so I don't have to worry about the contents being wet. While a tad bid for the content, I like to have some extra space so I can pack a larger jacket and a few more extra pairs of clothes in the winter months or when I am camping for a week instead of a weekend. Though typically it is never full. I will also keep over my clothes but under the bum-bag 1 MRE per 1 to 2 days I am out, depending on the activity. If its light hiking and more of a leisure camp, or if I know I am spending a long period of time camping, I will pack 1 MRE per 2 days. If I am doing heavy activity with a large trek and am unsure how long I will spend at camp, I will pack 1 MRE for every 1 day plus 1 more just in case.
On the interior of the main pack there is a insert for a water system that I will keep full.
In the primary compartment of the backpack, I keep a smaller bum-bag on the top over my bulkier items, like clothes. I keep this on top so I have ready access to it in case of emergency. And it is the first thing I use when I am setting up a camp. The bum-bag is small but can hold quite a bit.
Outside of the Backpack either on the shoulder straps or on the hip strap I will keep clipped the threaded through with parachord.
And lastly I keep my revolver on my belt, recently in the last year I have been carrying a 4" 357 Magnum loaded with 38sp.
This is probably the most controversial part of my kit, since my sleep system is more for the practicality than for comfort or weight. Instead of a bivvy, tent, or hammock, I use a discount "Cowboy Roll" I thrown together. People who know about military styled sleep systems might be familiar with this set up, but instead of it costing me $300 for a milsurp sleep system, I offer you the bulk-brand for only $60. And it is a bit lighter too.
This is the entirety of my sleep system, how I end up using it, whether rain, snow, or clear skies is I fold the tarp in half long ways, place my wool blanket down in a similar fashion, and finally place my sleeping bag wrapped in the middle of them. If I need a pillow I will take my old clothes and roll them up together and place it under the head of the sleeping bag. If I need more padding in the night or insulation of the rain or snow, I will cut some branches down under me to lift myself off the ground, and place some foliage or leaves on top of that. If nothing like that is available, I will go without. While not the most comfortable sleep, I am able to sleep well with this set up, it keeps my warm enough in sub freezing temps and dry in the rain since the tarp is large enough to cover my head while allowing my breath to not build up condensation.
The system itself is fast to deploy, and fast to clear up. All together my entire kit is designed around basic survival needs, speed of deployment, and speed of recovery. While camping with friends I usually get some weird looks, but after a long day, I like to be the first asleep and the first ready to begin the day. While others may be fumbling with tents or hammocks trying to find soft ground or a set of trees close enough together, I plop my roll next to the fire, and spend the rest of my time on other comforts.
